City Hall Common Council Chambers
Access to the Council Chamber is gained from the thirteenth floor. As you enter the Chamber, it is very difficult not to be taken with the bright ceiling, which is a very large stained glass window. This window is another example of Indian artistry and is in the form of a sunburst.
The sunburst is representative of the crowning glory and the blessing of heaven City government. The greatest portion of lighting in this room is concealed and due to the use of prismatic glass in the sunburst, the lighting from this beautiful piece of art is diffused in such a way that no shadow is thrown anywhere in the room.
Below the sunburst, carved into the walls, appears to the legend "The People's Councilors Reflect the People's Will." This was meant to be a daily reminder to those who enter the chamber of their purpose.
Over the interior entrance to the Council Chamber are three keystones with symbolic faces. The face on the left with a sword represents Power. The face on the right with a facis represents Authority. The central figure with an orb is representative of Wisdom. What is further expected from the Council is represented by the use of animals and bird life. Examples of these are the faithfulness of the dog, the courage of the lion, the sacrifice of the pelican and the forcefulness of the hawk. The wooden spearheads protruding from a bundle of reeds tied with a ribbon are ancient symbols of authority, called facis (pronounced "fah-sees").
The Council Chamber is probably one of the finest Chambers of its kind in the country. The woodwork is inlaid with American Walnut. The Chamber can seat 383 people. The room is acoustically treated making the room perfect in the way of sound, even without a microphone.
When City Hall was designed and later opened, the fashions of the day favored men's hats. The derby and bowler influenced the City Hall planners to the degree that every chair in the Council Chamber was equipped with a hat holder under the seat.
The pillars that surround the Common Council Chamber represent the virtues that a member should maintain. Fidelity, Prudence, and Faithfulness are examples, but one that you won't find is Honesty. Originally these pillars were to hold busts of famous Buffalonians, but unfortunately the Council could not decide who was to be included. The architects suggested that the pillars be used to display the virtues of Councilmen and the Council agreed.
On September 6, 1931, Wade was asked why Honesty, Efficiency and Economy were missing. He replied "If the members of the city government who will occupy the new structure live up to the qualifications inscribed on the panels, the public need not worry about the city having efficiency, honesty, or economy in Public service."
Copy taken from:
www.ci.buffalo.ny.us/
Buffalo City Hall
65 Niagara Square
Buffalo, NY 14202
716-851-4200
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